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International break analysis: Get to know Victor Wanyama’s Kenya

By Karl Harrington

Kenya and Ghana's supporteres cheer and react during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Kenya and Ghana, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
Kenya and Ghana's supporteres cheer and react during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Kenya and Ghana, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) /
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With the international break upon us here is the chance to learn a little about Victor Wanyama’s homeland, Kenya.

Wanyama – Kenyan icon

Football is in Victor’s blood. His father Noah was a highly revered winger for AFC Leopard in the 70s and early 80s; while, his elder brother Mariga has also forged a successful career for himself. It was Mariga who first paved the way for Victor – facilitating a move for his sibling to join him at Swedish side Helsingborgs IF in 2007.

It was during this period that Victor made his international debut, alongside his brother, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Wanyama became the first Kenyan to ever play in the Premier League after Mauricio Pochettino signed him for Southampton in 2013. Week in, week out he covered every blade of grass at St Mary’s before following his manager to Spurs.

Victor was an instant hit at Tottenham. The midfield destroyer formed a  formidable partnership with Mousa Dembele and almost led the side to a league title in his first season with the Lilywhites.

Unfortunately, Wanyama suffered a knee injury early the following campaign. Since then, the Kenyan rocketed home a goal of the season versus Liverpool but niggling injuries mean he has struggled to regain the form shown in his debut season.

Naturally, Victor holds superstar status in his homeland and the locals passionately follow his career at Spurs. They become very agitated when Victor isn’t in the starting XI, such as of late, and even organized processions in the streets of Nairobi to wish the midfielder a swift recovery from his knee injury.

Kenya is of course better known for its long distance runners rather than footballers. Eliud Kipchoge who recently smashed the world record for the fastest ever marathon run is a Tottenham fan and talked to the club’s website about Victor’s, and consequently Tottenham’s, popularity in Kenya:

"“Where I live, in the Western part of Kenya, Tottenham is really big. We are watching and are fans of Tottenham because of Victor.”"

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